H'town's LeBlanc Throws Twins' First Pitch

By
KBJR News 1

June 12, 2013Updated Jun 12, 2013 at 11:56 PM CST

Minneapolis, MN (NNCNOW.com) --- Hermantown, Minn. native and 2013 Hobey Baker Award winner Drew LeBlanc threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Target Field on Wednesday night, part of a pregame ceremony honoring the St. Cloud State University (SCSU) men's hockey team.

"It was a special moment," LeBlanc said. "I grew up watching the Twins. We'd huddle around the TV and watch the games, so to be out here doing this is a unique experience and something I'll always remember."

LeBlanc and his teammates were on the field before the game between Minnesota and Philadelphia, that after SCSU made it to that program's first-ever NCAA Frozen Four in the 2012-13 season.

The former Hawks standout totaled 13 goals and 37 assists this past season with St. Cloud State University (SCSU), leading the Huskies to that program's first ever Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) regular season title and its first-ever NCAA Division I Frozen Four.

LeBlanc was also named this year the WCHA player of the year and scholar-athlete of the year, marking the first time in history a player has won both those awards in the same season.

The Hermantown, Minn. native signed a professional contract with Chicago the same day as the Hobey Baker announcement, and he made his professional debut with the Blackhawks on April 24.

Duluth, Minn. native and 2012 Hobey Baker Award winner Jack Connolly was invited last summer to throw out the first pitch, but inclement weather rolled over Target Field before he was able to take the mound.